Methods of applying for a divorce during the war:
Divorce through the court in Ukraine
Divorce through the court is carried out in cases:
- One of the spouses does not want to divorce;
- There are minor children in the marriage.
Divorce through RAGS in Ukraine
State registration of divorce is carried out at the place of residence of the spouses or one of them. Divorce through the RAGS office or TSNAP is possible with a joint application from the spouses, as well as in the following cases:
- No minor children;
- One of the spouses is missing or declared incapacitated.
If one of the spouses, due to a valid reason (such as serious illness, long-term business trip, or living in a remote area), cannot personally submit the divorce application, the other spouse can submit it on their behalf, provided it is notarized or equivalent. If one of the spouses is declared missing or incapacitated, the other spouse can submit the application with the court decision about the spouse’s status.
The divorce will be finalized within one month of submitting the application. If the spouses fail to appear for the registration of divorce and do not notify the authorities about the reason for their absence within three months of submitting the application, the application loses its validity.
Can you apply for divorce online through RAGS or “Diya”?
As of January 2025, it is not possible to get divorced online through RAGS or the “Diya” app. The divorce application can be submitted to RAGS, TSNAP, or the court. In certain cases, the application can be filed online through the court or by a representative. Divorce registration at the RAGS office requires the personal presence of both spouses.
Documents needed for divorce during wartime
For divorce through RAGS, you need to submit:
- An application for divorce with personal data, military service status, and marriage registration details;
- The passport of each spouse (or a document confirming the legal stay of a foreigner or stateless person in Ukraine);
- Marriage certificate (including one issued by the competent authorities of foreign countries);
- Payment receipt for the state fee;
- Court decision regarding the missing or incapacitated spouse.
If divorce is through the court with mutual consent, it is recommended to submit notarized agreements regarding child custody and alimony for faster resolution of these matters.
Filing a divorce lawsuit through the court
The divorce lawsuit can be filed either personally or through a representative. Personal submission can be done online via the Electronic Court or physically through the court’s office. Typically, the lawsuit is filed at the registered address or residence of the defendant.
Cost of divorce during wartime
A court fee of 1211.20 UAH is required for filing a divorce lawsuit. If legal assistance is sought, the cost of lawyer consultations and preparing procedural documents should also be considered.
How long can the divorce process take during the war?
The duration of the divorce process depends on factors like minor children, mutual consent, property division, etc. The process can take from one month (with mutual consent) to several months (when going to court). It’s recommended to seek legal assistance to speed up the process.